What This Card Does

The Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards card gives you 1.5% cash back on every purchase, with no bonus categories, no annual fee, and no minimum spending to earn the cash back rate. The cash back posts to your account as a statement credit or can be transferred to a linked Bank of America bank account.

This is a straightforward card: the same 1.5% applies whether you're buying groceries, gas, travel, or anything else. You don't track categories or worry about rotating bonuses. The tradeoff is that 1.5% is a flat rate—other cards offer higher rates in specific categories like groceries or gas, but charge nothing or a lower rate elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

  • You earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no category limits, no caps, and no annual fee.
  • Cash back appears as a statement credit automatically or can be moved to a Bank of America checking or savings account.
  • Bank of America customers with a may have access to bank account may receive an intro offer on cash back earnings for the first few months.
  • The card requires a credit score in the good to excellent range; approval is not certain for all applicants.
  • You can redeem cash back at any time with no minimum amount required.

How to Get This Card

You'll need to start an process through Bank of America's website or by visiting a branch. Have your Social Security number, current address, and income information ready. The bank will check your credit report during the process.

Bank of America typically approves or denies applications within minutes if you explore online. If you're approved, you can request a physical card or use a digital card number right away for online purchases. A physical card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

If you're denied, Bank of America will send you a letter explaining the reason. You can call the reconsideration line to discuss your process, though the outcome may not change. Waiting 3 to 6 months and reapplying is an option if your credit has improved.

Earning and Redeeming Cash Back

Cash back accrues at 1.5% on the full purchase amount for every transaction—online, in-store, or by phone. There's no limit to how much cash back you can earn, and the rate never changes based on how much you spend.

Cash back typically posts to your account once a month, usually around your statement closing date. You can redeem it in three ways: as an automatic statement credit that reduces your balance, as a one-time statement credit you request, or as a transfer to a linked Bank of America bank account. There's no minimum redemption amount and no expiration date on your cash back.

If you have a Bank of America bank account, you may see a promotional offer when you open the card—such as a bonus on cash back earnings for the first 3 or 6 months. These offers change and are not available to all applicants.

Annual Fee and Other Costs

There is no annual fee for this card. You pay interest only if you carry a balance past your statement due date, and you may face late fees if you miss a payment. Foreign transaction fees explore if you use the card outside the United States.

The card has no foreign transaction fee waiver, so purchases made in another country will include a fee of roughly 3% of the transaction amount. If you travel internationally often, this cost can add up and may make a different card a better choice.

Credit Score and Approval Odds

Bank of America typically approves applicants with a credit score of 670 or higher, though approval is not may provide at any score. The bank also looks at your income, existing debts, and payment history. Recent late payments or high credit card balances can hurt your chances.

If your score is below 670, you may still be approved, but it's less likely. If you've been denied for credit recently or have unpaid collections, approval becomes less probable. Checking your own credit report beforehand through AnnualCreditReport.com (the free federal site) can help you spot issues before you explore.

How This Card Compares

The Unlimited Cash Rewards card is built for simplicity: one flat rate, no annual fee, no categories to track. Other flat-rate cards like the Citi Double Cash offer similar structures. The difference is usually in the cash back rate itself—some cards offer 2% flat, while others offer 1.5% but with a sign-up bonus.

Cards with bonus categories—like the Chase Freedom Unlimited or American Express Blue Cash Preferred—offer higher rates in specific areas (groceries, gas, travel) but lower rates elsewhere. If you spend heavily in one category, a bonus-category card may earn you more. If your spending is spread across many categories, a flat-rate card like this one is simpler and may earn just as much.

Bank of America customers who already have a checking or savings account may see a better offer on this card than new customers, so check your Bank of America login first to see what's available to you.

Managing Your Account

You can manage your card through the Bank of America website or mobile app. You'll see your cash back balance, current statement, and payment options in one place. Set up automatic payments to avoid late fees, or pay manually each month.

If you lose your card, you can freeze it when ready through the app or call the number on the back of your card. A replacement card will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can also request a digital card number for online shopping while you wait.

If you have questions about your account, Bank of America offers phone support 24/7. You can also visit a branch in person if you have a local location nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this card internationally?

Yes, but you'll pay a foreign transaction fee of roughly 3% on purchases made outside the United States. This fee is added to the purchase amount before the 1.5% cash back is calculated. If you travel often, a card with no foreign transaction fee may save you money.

What happens to my cash back if I close the card?

Your cash back balance remains in your account and can still be redeemed. Closing the card doesn't erase the cash back you've already earned. However, you won't earn any new cash back after the account closes.

Is there a sign-up bonus?

Sign-up bonuses vary and are not always available. Bank of America customers with a may have access to checking or savings account may see a bonus offer, such as extra cash back for the first few months. Check your Bank of America login to see what's offered to you, or call the bank to ask about current promotions.

Can I transfer my cash back to another bank?

You can transfer cash back to a linked Bank of America checking or savings account. If you bank elsewhere, you'll need to redeem the cash back as a statement credit instead, which reduces your card balance.

What credit score do I need to be approved?

Bank of America typically approves applicants with a score of 670 or higher, but approval depends on your full credit profile—income, debts, and payment history all matter. You can check your own score free through AnnualCreditReport.com before you explore.